System and method for inhibiting top gear at winding road driving

ABSTRACT

A control system having at least one sensor collecting data from a vehicle component such as a steering wheel. A processor determines if the data collected from the sensor is above or equal to a predetermined level. If the processor determines that the data is above a predetermined level, the processor indicates to the controller that the data is above that predetermined level and requires a prevention of upshifting of the transmission. A method of including controlling the transmission of a vehicle by a control system, sensing at least one vehicle property by a sensor in acquiring data relating to that property, storing the data in a data storage unit, determining if the data is above a predetermined level and sending a signal to a transmission of the vehicle if the data is above a predetermined level thereby preventing upshift of the transmission to the top two gears.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to control systems for avehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a controlsystem for preventing upshifting of a transmission if on a winding road.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automatic transmission systems in vehicles automatically switch to ahigher gear as the vehicle speed increases. However, there are timeswhen the automatic transmission shifts to a higher gear at anundesirable time and location. When the driver is driving on a windingor curving road, it is undesirable to upshift to the top gear, or one ofthe top gears, the automatic transmission. As such, there exists a needin the art to provide an apparatus in control system to detect windingroad situations and to prevent automatic upshift to a higher gear duringthese winding road conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a control system having at least onesensor. The sensor collects data from a vehicle component such as asteering wheel and/or lateral G sensor. The data collected from thesensor is stored in a data storage unit. A processor is used todetermine if the data collected from the sensor is above or equal to apredetermined level. If the processor determines that the data is aboveor equal to a predetermined level, the processor indicates to thecontroller that the data is at or above that predetermined level andrequires a prevention of upshifting of the transmission.

A method of the present invention includes controlling the transmissionof a vehicle by a control system. The method including the steps ofsensing at least one vehicle property by a sensor in acquiring datarelating to that property, storing the data in a data storage unit,determining if the data is at or above a predetermined level and sendinga signal to a transmission of the vehicle if the data is at or above apredetermined level thereby preventing upshift to a top gear of thetransmission if the data is at or above the predetermined level.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates the method of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary model of the method of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative exemplary model of the method of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a control system and method forpreventing upshift to a top gear of the automatic transmission of avehicle if it is determined that the vehicle is driving on a windingroad. The system prevents upshift to either a higher gear, or to atleast one of the top two gears. The prevention of upshift to the top twogears improves efficiency of the vehicle, including fuel economy. Thevehicle detects a high frequency of lateral G and/or steering input foran extended period of time. If the vehicle detects these properties, thevehicle will inhibit upshift to the top gear. The prevention of upshiftto a top gear will keep the vehicle above a preset RPM to improvedrivability. The various sensors of the vehicle will measure lateral G,steering input, pedal usage, vehicle speed, brake usage and evaluate thedata produced by the various sensors. If the data evaluated isdetermined to be data relating to a winding road, the vehicle will beprevented from upshifting the automatic transmission to a higher gear.

FIG. 1 illustrates the control system 10 on a vehicle 12. The systemincludes a sensor 14 operable to measure a certain characteristic abouta vehicle component. The sensor may be associated with various vehiclecomponents such as the vehicle steering wheel, tire rotation, brakepedal, accelerator pedal or other various sensors associated withvehicle components.

The sensor 14 produces data 16 based on the sensor 14 measurements. Data16 is stored in a data storage unit 18. The data 16 is either sentdirectly to the processor 20 or sent to be stored in the data storageunit 18. The processor 20 determines if the data meets a predeterminedlevel. The predetermined level varies depending on the type of sensor 14utilized in the system. The processor determines if the predeterminedlevel is at or above a certain predetermined level. Based on thepredetermined level set by the user, the processor determines if thevehicle is on a winding road. In the present invention, the processor isa computer capable of making determinations if the data read from thesensor meets a predetermined level. The processor looks to a set of dataor a data point and electronically compares the set of data or the datapoint to the predetermined level. A lookup table may also be used by theprocessor to determine if the data meets the predetermined level. If theprocessor determines that the set of data or the data point meets thepredetermined level, the processor accordingly determines that vehicleis on a winding road. In other words, if the set of data or the datapoint meets the predetermined level, then the processor automaticallyassumes that the vehicle is on a winding road.

The processor also looks to multiple sets of data or data points fromdifferent sensors. If the vehicle has 2 sensors (either measuring thesame thing or different measurements), the vehicle collects data fromboth sensors. Both data sets are sent to the processor for the processorto determine if the data sets each meet their respective predeterminedlevels. In one embodiment, if at least one data set meets thepredetermined level, then the processor determines that the vehicle ison a winding road. Priority may be given to specific sensors. By way ofexample, if data from the lateral G sensor meets the predetermined levelbut data from the steering angle sensor does not meet the predeterminedlevel, then the processor will determine that the vehicle is not on awinding road. Conversely, if it is determined that the set of data fromthe steering angle sensor does meet the predetermined level, but datafrom the lateral G sensor does not meet the predetermined level, thenthe processor may determine that the vehicle is on a winding road. Theseparameters and logic are predetermined and inputted into the vehicleprocessor. Other embodiments include the requirement of all sensors ofthe system meeting the predetermined levels.

The processor 20 is operable to compare a data set from a sensor to apredetermined level. The processor 20 functions so as to take a firstset of data (or a data point) and compare it with a predetermined level(or predetermined range of levels or predetermined data). Thepredetermined levels may be stored for comparison by the processor in alook-up table. If the processor determines a match between thepredetermined level and the data set, then the processor determines andreaches the conclusion that the vehicle is on a winding road. When theprocessor makes the determination that the vehicle is on a winding road,then the processor communicates with the controller of the transmission(and to the transmission) to prevent and/or stop upshift of thetransmission to the top two gear(s).

If the processor 20 determines that the vehicle is on a winding road, itsends a signal to the controller 22 operable to control the automatictransmission 26. The controller 22 sends a signal to the automatictransmission to prevent upshift of the automatic transmission if theprocessor determines that the vehicle is on a winding road. Thecontroller 22 sends a signal to the automatic transmission 26 if thedata 16 received by the processor 20 is determined to be at or above apredetermined level. The predetermined level will depend based on therequirements of the user and based on the type of sensor being used.

The sensor 14 may be associated with various vehicle components. In aone embodiment, a lateral G sensor 28 is utilized to create a set ofdata 16. The lateral G sensor determines the G force on the vehicle. Theuser or programmer is capable of setting a predetermined levelassociated with conditions of driving on a winding road. It is commonfor vehicles to have a preexisting lateral G sensor to measure lateral Gforces on the vehicle. The faster a user goes around a corner, thehigher the lateral G force will be. Typically, anything over 0.2 G is aconsidered a turn (light turn) and 0.7 G is a high (sharp turn). A usermoving forward making turns in a very straight direction will result ina 0 G reading. In the present invention, if the lateral G is at apredetermined level of between 0.2 and 0.7 G (wherein 1 G=9.8 m/s), thenthe processor determines that the data meets a predetermined level,sends a signal to the controller which in turn sends signal to thetransmission to prevent upshift of the vehicle transmission. The lateralG sensor 28 may be positioned at various points in the vehicle. Thelateral G sensor may also be an accelerometer or motion sensor.

Furthermore, a GPS sensor 25 or system may be used to determine if theuser is on a winding road. A process is operable to determine based onthe associated GPS map if the user is on a winding road, or a road witha plurality of sharp curves. A data storage unit is in communicationwith the navigation or GPS system to store data relating to the windingroad. A processor determines if the road is significantly winding, ornot. If the processor determines if the road is winding based on the GPSdata, then a controller sends a signal to the transmission to preventupshifting to the top, or top two, gears.

The sensor 14 may also be a steering input sensor 30. The steeringsensor 30 measures the angle of rotation of the steering wheel. In thisembodiment, the steering sensor 30 measures the angle of rotation of thesteering wheel when in use by the driver to determine if the driver isdriving on a winding road. In this example, the predetermined level ofthe angle of rotation of the steering sensor 30 varies between 10 to 25degrees. If the steering angle is less than 10°, no signal is sent tothe automatic transmission. If the predetermined level of 10 to 25degrees is met or exceeded, the controller sends a signal to thetransmission to prevent upshift of the automatic transmission 26.

Sensor 14 may also be a pedal usage sensor 32. The pedal usage sensor 32may be used to calculate speed or angle of depression of the pedal. Byway of example, if the pedal sensor 32 measures angles of depression ofthe pedal, the predetermined level may range between 10 to 50 degreesdisplacement. If the processor determines that the predetermined levelis at or exceeds 10 to 50 degrees of displacement, then the controller22 sends a signal to the automatic transmission 26 to prevent upshift ofthe automatic transmission.

The sensor 14 may also be a speed or acceleration sensor 34. The speedsensor 34 will likely measure speed as a ratio of distance with respectto time, such as miles per hour. By way of example, the vehicle speedsensor 34 may determine that a vehicle is on a winding road if thevehicle speed is decreasing or increasing. By way of example, if thevehicle speed reaches above a predetermined level of between 25 milesper hour to 50 miles per hour, or is below or decreasing to a level ofbelow 10 miles per hour to 50 miles per hour, the controller may send asignal to the transmission to prevent upshift of the automatictransmission.

The sensor 14 may also be a brake usage sensor 36 to determine if theuser is frequently braking. The brake usage sensor 36 may be used todetermine if the user is braking around a plurality of curves thussuggesting a winding road. Alternatively, if the user is riding thebrakes, this may also suggest condition of a winding road. If the brakeusage sensor detects frequent usage of the brake, such as apredetermined level of between one to five brake depressions per 10seconds, then the processor will determine that the user is on a windingroad. The processor 20 will then send a signal to the controller 22 tosend a signal to the automatic transmission 26 to prevent upshift of thevehicle because it is on a winding road. The processor 20 will then senda signal to the controller 22 to send a signal to the automatictransmission 26 to prevent upshift of the vehicle because it is on awinding road.

FIG. 2 illustrates the method 50 of the present invention. The method 50includes the steps of starting 52 of the process 10. The method furtherincludes the steps of sensing at least one vehicle property or set ofdata. This is indicated by reference numeral 54. The sensing 54 iscarried out by way of the sensor 14. The sensor 14 may be a lateral Gsensor 28, a steering input sensor 30, a pedal usage sensor 32, avehicle speed sensor 34, or a brake usage sensor 36. This data isinputted and received by the sensor 14.

The method 50 further includes the step of determining 56 the type ofroad. If it is determined by the processor 20 that the road is a windingroad, the controller will inhibit upshifting to a higher gear 58. If theprocessor 20 determines that the road is straight or a minimally windingroad, the processor will suggest continued operation and not send asignal to the controller and thus, to the transmission. This isindicated by reference numeral 60. The processes then ends 62.

By way of example, FIG. 3 illustrates the method 100 illustrates amethod taken when a steering angle sensor or steering input sensor 30 isutilized. The method 100 includes the step of starting the process 102.The sensor 30, or sensor 14 is used to measure the angle of rotation.Data is collected 104 and stored in a data storage unit 18. The data iscollected 104 from the sensor 14, 30. The method 100 further includesthe step of inputting 106 data into a processor 20. If the processordetermines that the steering angle sensor is above the predeterminedthreshold 108 of 10 to 25 degrees, then the processor sends information112 to the controller to prevent 114 transmission from upshifting to ahigher gear 114. The process then ends 116. If the processor determinesthat the data is below the predetermined threshold of 10°, the processthen ends 116. This step is illustrated at reference numeral 110.

The sensor 14 may also be a combination of the various sensors such asthe lateral G sensor 28, the steering input sensor 30, the pedal usagesensor 32, the vehicle speed sensor 34, or the brake usage sensor 36. Byway of example, data from the lateral G sensor 28 and the steering inputsensor 30 may be used by the processor and stored within the datastorage unit 18. If the processor determines that data from both thelateral G sensor 28 and the steering input sensor 30 is at or above apredetermined level, the processor will send a signal to the controller22 and thus to the transmission 26 to prevent upshift of the vehicle. Ifthe processor determines that the lateral G data is at or above thepredetermined level, but determines the data from the steering inputsensor 30 is below the predetermined level, then the processor will notsend a signal to the controller to prevent upshift of the vehicle.

Alternatively, if data from the lateral G sensor 28 is at or above thepredetermined level, but data from the steering input sensor 30 is belowthe predetermined level, the processor may still, depending on therequirements by the user, send a signal to the controller and thus tothe transmission thereby preventing upshift of the vehicle. Thesevariances and arrangements will depend on the requirements of the user.

FIGS. 1 and 4 illustrates an exemplary method wherein the sensor 14 is alateral accelerometer, or lateral G sensor 28. The method starts 152 byacquiring data from the lateral G sensor 28. The method then includesthe step of inputting 154 the data into a processor 20. If the processordetermines that the data from the lateral G sensor 28 is at or above thepredetermined threshold of 0.2 G, then information 162 is sent to thecontroller and thus sent to the transmission to prevent the automatictransmission from upshifting gears. This is illustrated at referencenumerals 156, 162, 164. The process then ends 166. If the processor 20determines that data from the lateral G sensor 28 is below thepredetermined threshold of 0.7 G, as shown by reference numeral 158, theprocess then ends 160.

The invention is not restricted to the illustrative examples andembodiments described above. The embodiments are not intended aslimitations on the scope of the invention. Methods, apparatus,composition, and the like described herein are exemplary and notintended as limitations on the scope of the invention. Changes thereinand other uses will occur to those skilled in the art. The scope of theinvention is defined by the scope of the attended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A control system for use in a vehicle, thecontrol system comprising: at least one sensor, the sensor collectingdata from a vehicle component, the sensor being at least one of thefollowing: a lateral-g sensor, a displacement sensor, a steering anglesensor or a speed sensor; a data storage unit, the data storage unitstoring data collected from the sensor; a processor to determine if thedata is above or equal to a predetermined level by comparing the data tothe predetermined level the processor in communication with a controllerconnected to a transmission, if the processor determines that the datais above or equal to the predetermined level, the processor communicatesto the controller that the data is at or above the predetermined level,the controller communicates to the transmission to prevent upshifting ofthe transmission to a top two gears.
 2. The control system of claim 1wherein the sensor is the lateral-g sensor wherein the predeterminedlevel is between 0.2-0.7 G.
 3. The control system of claim 1 wherein thevehicle component is a pedal assembly.
 4. The control system of claim 1wherein the sensor is the pedal displacement sensor wherein the pedaldisplacement sensor is a brake pedal sensor.
 5. The control system ofclaim 1 wherein the sensor is the displacement sensor wherein thedisplacement sensor is an accelerator pedal sensor.
 6. A method ofcontrolling a transmission of a vehicle by a control system, the methodcomprising the steps of: sensing at least one vehicle property of avehicle component by a sensor, acquiring data relating to that property,the sensor being at least one of the following: a lateral-g sensor, adisplacement sensor, a steering angle sensor or a speed sensor; storingthe data in a data storage unit; determining if the data is at or abovea predetermined level, determining by means of a processor; sending asignal to the transmission of the vehicle if the data is at or above thepredetermined level; preventing upshift to a top two gears of thetransmission if the data is at or above the predetermined level.
 7. Themethod of claim 6 wherein sensor is the lateral-g sensor wherein thepredetermined level is between 0.2-0.7 G.
 8. The method of claim 6wherein the vehicle component is a pedal assembly.
 9. The method ofclaim 6 wherein the sensor is the displacement sensor wherein thedisplacement sensor is a brake pedal sensor.
 10. The method of claim 6wherein the sensor is the displacement sensor wherein the displacementsensor is an accelerator pedal sensor.